India has taken strong exception to Singapore Prime Minister’s remarks about alleged criminal records of MPs and his comment on Nehru’s India. Singapore envoy was summoned here on Thursday to register India’s protest.
Slamming Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for his remarks on the Lok Sabha, official said, ‘’The remarks by the Prime Minister of Singapore were uncalled for. We are taking up the matter with the Singaporean side.”
This reaction came after a debate in the Singapore parliament on Wednesday on how democracy should function. Loong is reported to have said, “Nehru’s India has become one where, according to media reports, almost half the MPs in the Lok Sabha have criminal charges pending against them, including charges of rape and murder. Though it is also said that many of these allegations are politically motivated.”
Lee was trying to make his point that most countries were founded and started off on the basis of high ideals and noble values, but gradually, the texture of politics changed and respect for politicians declined.
Referring to various world leaders including India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Loong had said ... “Things start off with passionate intensity. The leaders, who fought for and won Independence, are often exceptional individuals of great courage, immense culture, and outstanding ability. They came through the crucible of fire and emerged as leaders of men and nations. They are the David Ben-Gurions, the Jawaharlal Nehrus, and we have our own too.”
Loong also said the people of Singapore can trust their leaders, systems and institutions if those in Government uphold integrity, and enforce the same rules and standards equally to everyone.
“Our democracy can mature, deepen and grow more resilient, as both the governed and the governing embrace and express the right norms and values. Singapore can continue to flourish. But if we allow ourselves to slacken — loosen standards here, just a bit; overlook a lie there, just this time — the virtuous cycle will stutter and start to fail,” he said.